In an attempt to quiet a maelstrom of criticism swirling around his former pastor's controversial remarks, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama attempted to put the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's comments into the context of race relations in America since its inception.

_________________

"Behind every great fortune lies a great crime."Honore de Balzac

"Democrats work to help people who need help. That other party, they work for people who don't need help. That's all there is to it."~Harry S. Truman

Barack Obama said the Jeremiah Wright who’s reinserted himself into the spotlight over the last few days “was not the person that I met 20 years ago,” and he condemned his former pastor’s eagerness to grab headlines with controversial statements in the most forceful language he’s used so far.

“His comments were not only divisive and destructive,” Obama said, “but I believe that they end up giving comfort to those who pray on hate.”

Obama said he was particularly angered by Wright’s insinuation that his previous condemnation of the former pastor’s most controversial statements was simply a move of expedience in a heated campaign.

“If Rev. Wright thinks that is political posturing, as he put it, then he doesn’t know me very well,” Obama said. “And based on his remarks yesterday, well I may not know him as well as I thought either.”

Acknowledging that he was powerless to prevent more “outrageous remarks” from Rev. Wright, Obama made clear that the former pastor spoke only for himself and that his comments were antithetical to the ideals Obama holds dear and has emphasized throughout the campaign.

_________________

"Behind every great fortune lies a great crime."Honore de Balzac

"Democrats work to help people who need help. That other party, they work for people who don't need help. That's all there is to it."~Harry S. Truman

Apparently, Obama's stance against Mr. Wright could not come at a better time as super delegate, and former Clinton supporter, Joe Andrew lines up behind Barrack. Mr. Andrew sited Obama's recent handling of the Wright issue as a good move.